A legend comes of age

4 June 2010

As the eyes of the world turn to South Africa for the World Cup, the nation’s most talked about resort, Legend Golf & Safari Resort, is set to be one of the stars of the summer, as well as hosting 8,000 Brazil fans.

Legends is just two and half hours by car from World Cup Host City Johannesburg, and is a spectacular example of a 21st century leisure complex set in the heart of the African bush – a truly modern amenity in an ancient and awe-inspiring landscape.

At the heart of the resort is the world’s first championship Signature Course – designed by 18 of the world’s top golfers including Trevor Immelman, Padraig Harrington, Retief Goosen and Sergio Garcia.

In addition to the magnificent Signature Course, golfers are taking up the challenge of the world’s most talked about Par 3, the Extreme 19th. Set high up on the majestic Hanglip Mountain, the hole is accessible only by helicopter and played to a green the shape of Africa, some 400m below.

History was made in December when former West Indies cricketer Franklyn Stephenson become the first person to birdie the Extreme 19th Hole. His drive was no fluke as the former Barbados star has traded in his cricket whites, following retirement from the game in 1997, and taken up golf on a professional basis. He’s currently the resident professional at Sandy Lane Golf Club and Resort in Barbados.

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As well as ground-breaking golf, Legends is on the doorstep of the 22,000-hectare Big 5 Entabeni Safari Conservancy – home to more than 50 mammal species, 300 plant species, 200 species of trees and almost 400 bird species that all co-exist thanks to the diverse eco-systems here that range from grasslands to bushveld and mountains to forested valleys.

Luxury is the name of the game at Legends. Alongside the fantastic golf courses, guests can enjoy helicopter flights and spa treatments within the conservancy. Meals can be taken at any of the lodges set within the surrounding wildlife conservancy or at the resort’s Lookout restaurant that offers succulent game meats complemented by fine New World wines.

The leisure experience at Legend Golf & Safari Resort includes visiting the Wildlife and Cultural Centre, home to the once only mythical white lions which are now housed on specially-built islands.

Add to that the other leisure facilities, including the swimming pools, the spa facilities, the tennis, football, basketball and other sporting activities, plus horse riding, quad-biking, ballooning, helicopter flights, curio shops, special children’s activities and Legend Golf & Safari Resort really is driving golf and safari resort experiences for leisure and business visitors alike to a new level of excellence.